BLM Publishes Barrick Ore Haul Environmental Assessment for Public Comment
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BATTLE MOUNTAIN, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management is inviting the public to comment on its environmental analysis of a proposed amendment to a mining operations plan which would allow an additional 1.2 million tons of refractory ore to be hauled from the Cortez Hills Open Pit Mine to the Goldstrike Mine over an 18-month period.
The area is located southeast of Battle Mountain is about 23 miles south of Beowawe.
The Barrick Cortez, Inc.’s Cortez Refractory Ore Amendment to the Plan of Operations and Reclamation Permit would not change mining, stockpiling, sampling, or the ore transportation route; and would not require new ground disturbance. The Proposed Action would modify the transportation plan to allow for additional trucks necessary to haul the additional 1.2 million tons of refractory ore for an 18-month period.
The Environmental Assessment (EA), which was conducted by the Mount Lewis Field Office, included coordination with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, as well as, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, tribal governments and other interested parties. Alternatives in the EA examined the expansion’s range of potential issues like air quality, traffic and human safety, wildlife and wildlife habitat, Native American religious concerns, noise, hazardous wastes and social and economic values.
The EA and other relevant documents are available on the BLM ePlanning webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xQBvn and hardcopies of these documents are available for review at the MLFO at the above address during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can submit comments directly to the BLM by submitting hardcopies to the office by delivery or mail or by emailing khurrell@blm.gov.
The Public comment period ends May 24, 2018.
If you have any questions or require clarification on this EA, please call Kevin Hurrell, Planning and Environmental Coordinator at (775) 635-4000.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.